Camber Sands in East Sussex is the closest sandy beach to South London, offering a beautiful expansive beach and picturesque sand dunes. In this post, I will share tips for planning a beach day trip to Camber Sands.
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Day Trip to Camber Sands Beach
At just over two hours drive from the city, Camber Sands is one of the best locations for a weekend staycation or a beach day trip from London. Enjoy water sports, explore the grassy sand dunes or combine a day at the beach with a visit to the nearby quaint village of Rye.
A popular coastal resort, Camber Sands is located close to the border with Kent on its eastern side. Spanning nearly 5 miles along the East Sussex coast, Camber Sands offers one of the longest stretches of sandy beaches in a region where most beaches are lined with pebbles or shingle.
Related: Beach Day Trips from London
Camber Sands also features one of the longest dune systems on the South Coast, and is home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex. The pristine rolling sand dunes at Camber Sands are a valuable natural habitat to many animals and plants.
The most popular section of Camber Sands Beach is the western end near where the Rother River empties into the sea. At the time of our visit, there was a small strip of calm, shallow water and then a sandbar of squelchy wet sand before reaching the waves. Beware of those sandbars as you might get cut off by the tide.
Further to the east, the sandy beaches start to make the transition into shingle beaches. Swim between the red and yellow flags at Camber Sands and do not enter the water at all if a red flag if flying.
Due to the high winds the beach often experiences, it is recommended for families to use a windbreak or tent when spending the day on Camber Sands beach.
I have included a link for several options for windbreaks on Amazon, which are handy to have when visiting most beaches in England, including another windy spot, West Wittering Beach. [Shop beach windbreaks on Amazon]
Camber Sands Water Sports
Also due to the high winds, Camber Sands Beach is a popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Camber Sands is one of the best places to take lessons for kitesurfing along the South Coast.
The Water Sports Zone suitable for kitesurfing and other water sports activities is located at Broomhill Car Park in Camber Sands. Broomhill Car Park provides free parking and from there you can walk directly on to the area of the beach designated for water sports.
The Kitesurf Centre | Website
Located next to the car park, the Kitesurf Centre rents out beach gear, water sports equipment (including wetsuits) and windbreaks. Kitesurfing equipment hire is aimed at those who have already completed kitesurfing lessons. See their website for further details on minimum requirements or documentation needed to rent out kitesurfing equipment.
The Kitesurf Centre offers kitesurfing courses, including Kite Camps as a long weekend or week long option, in group or private sessions. Stand up paddleboard and wingboarding lessons are also available, along with Multi Activity Beach Days that are a great option for families.
Rye Watersports | Website
Located between Rye and Camber Sands, Rye Watersports is another option for renting water sports equipment or booking lessons for windsurfing, paddle boarding and kitesurfing.
Rye Watersports also offers kids sailing courses, kids’ activity holiday clubs and wingfoil courses for kids or adults. Their kids’ activity days are for ages 8 to 15 years and combine games and friendly competition with developing water competition and skills. The wide range of water sports activities offered include kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and wingsurfing.
Camber Sands Food and Drink
Right next to main beach parking lot, you will find restrooms, a first aid post, café and grill.
Frankie’s At The Beach Hut (Broomhill Car Park) has been receiving rave reviews and has even been featured in online news articles by Metro. The takeaway spot is located in Broomhill Car Park and serves up burgers, hot dogs, bacon rolls and fries.
Along Old Lydd Road, just behind the sand dunes, you will find several eateries, from pizza restaurants to fish and chip shops to pubs.
A short walk from Camber Central Car Park, there is Kit Kat Café, a beachfront café serving English breakfasts, chicken nuggets, burgers, jacket potatoes and ice cream.
Camber Sands Beach Address
Camber, East Sussex, TN31 7RT
Parking: Broomhill Sands car park (TN31 7SB) is free and open all year round. It is the first car park you come to if arriving from Lydd Road.
Camber Central car park (TN31 7RH) is a pay and display (RingGo) car park with direct access to the beach. From 1 April to 30 September the gates to the Central car park are locked at 8pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Two other pay and display / RingGo car parks nearby are Old Lydd Road (TN31 7RH) and Western Car Park (TN31 7RB).
Facilities: Right next to the Broomhill Sands car park, you will find find restrooms, a first aid post, a beach rental shop, café and grill.
Dogs Allowed: There are dog restrictions in place between 1 May and 30 September. During the quieter winter months, dogs are allowed to roam the full stretch of Camber Sands BeachSee the council website below for further details.
https://www.rother.gov.uk/leisure-and-events/beaches-and-coastline/camber-sands/
Day Trips from London
Looking for more inspiration for the summer holidays? Find ideas for day trips from London with these round-up posts and days out reviews;
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, so if you do click through and make a purchase I may receive a small amount at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! This post was updated on 20 January 2025 with current visitor information to plan a day trip to Camber Sands
PIN FOR LATER – Day Trip to Camber Sands Beach
